PC Ian Dibell commended for 'brave, courageous and selfless' sacrifice
PC Dibell receives the highest award a police chief can give
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A police officer shot while off duty as he tried to protect a member of the public has been posthumously awarded a chief constable's commendation.
PC Ian Dibell, 41, was shot dead after intervening in a dispute near his home in Clacton in July last year.
Gunman Peter Reeve's body was found the following morning in the grounds of All Saints' Church, Writtle.
Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle has awarded PC Dibell the highest award available to a police chief.
He said: "At the time of the incident, there were several members of the public present who might have been wounded or killed if Ian had not intervened as he did.
"Ian's brave, courageous and selfless actions no doubt saved others from harm.
"He consciously stepped into danger to protect others and tragically paid the ultimate price. His fearless actions were in the best traditions of policing.
"The sacrifice he made for the safety of others will never be forgotten."
An inquest last month returned verdicts of unlawful killing for PC Dibell and suicide for Peter Reeve.
Several other options for honouring PC Dibell are being considered.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments